U.S. patent number 6,760,453 [Application Number 09/272,349] was granted by the patent office on 2004-07-06 for portable terminal device for controlling received voice level and transmitted voice level.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NEC Corporation. Invention is credited to Satoshi Banno.
United States Patent |
6,760,453 |
Banno |
July 6, 2004 |
Portable terminal device for controlling received voice level and
transmitted voice level
Abstract
A level of a voice inputted from a microphone 1 is detected in a
level detecting section 2. An instantaneous voice level which is
sampled every a predetermined time is subjected to an average
processing in a processing section 4, and it is outputted as an
average voice level. At this time, the first average voice level
immediately after starting a telephone conversation is stored in a
memory section 6 as a reference amplitude level. During the
telephone conversation, a voice level inputted to the microphone 1
is compared with the reference amplitude level in a comparing
section 5 every a predetermine time. When the voice level inputted
to the microphone 1 is higher than the reference amplitude level, a
controlling section 7 increases a voice volume outputted from a
speaker 11. On the other hand, the voice level inputted to the
microphone 1 is lower than the reference amplitude level, the
controlling section 7 decreases the voice volume outputted from the
speaker 11.
Inventors: |
Banno; Satoshi (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
NEC Corporation (Tokyo,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
13797447 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/272,349 |
Filed: |
March 19, 1999 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
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Mar 30, 1998 [JP] |
|
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10/083262 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
381/107; 381/104;
455/563 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03G
3/3089 (20130101); H03G 3/001 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H03G
3/20 (20060101); H03G 3/00 (20060101); H03G
003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;381/110,104,106,107,98
;455/563,404,567 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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3426815 |
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Aug 1985 |
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DE |
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61-168747 |
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Oct 1986 |
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JP |
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61-58862 |
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Dec 1986 |
|
JP |
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62-278858 |
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Dec 1987 |
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JP |
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2-47700 |
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Mar 1990 |
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JP |
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2-117228 |
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May 1990 |
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JP |
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3-52638 |
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Aug 1991 |
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JP |
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3-208442 |
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Sep 1991 |
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JP |
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4-35144 |
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Feb 1992 |
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JP |
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5-191477 |
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Jul 1993 |
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JP |
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7-307697 |
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Nov 1995 |
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JP |
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8-223256 |
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Aug 1996 |
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JP |
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9-321833 |
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Dec 1997 |
|
JP |
|
10-301595 |
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Nov 1998 |
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JP |
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96-43556 |
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Dec 1996 |
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KR |
|
WO 99/05840 |
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Feb 1999 |
|
WO |
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Other References
Korean Office Action dated Jul. 24, 2001 with partial English
translation. .
Japanese Office Action dated May 22, 2001, with partial English
translation..
|
Primary Examiner: Harvey; Minsun Oh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McGinn & Gibb, PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable terminal device comprising: voice inputting means for
inputting a voice; voice outputting means for outputting a voice;
detecting means for detecting a level of the voice inputted by said
voice inputting means; controlling means for controlling at least
one of a level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting
means and a level of the voice inputted by said voice inputting
means, in accordance with the inputted voice level detected by
said, detecting means; comparing means for comparing the inputted
voice level detected by said detecting means with a reference
level; extracting means for extracting the level of the voice
inputted by said voice inputting means for a first predetermined
time; and computing means for computing an average of the inputted
voice level extracted by said extracting means, within a second
predetermined time, wherein said comparing means compares the
average of the inputted voice level computed by said computing
means with said reference level.
2. A portable terminal device comprising: voice inputting means for
inputting a voice; voice outputting means for outputting a voice;
detecting means for detecting a level of the voice inputted by said
voice inputting means; controlling means for controlling at least
one of a level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting
means and a level of the voice inputted by said voice inputting
means, in accordance with the inputted voice level detected by
said, detecting means; comparing means for comparing the inputted
voice level detected by said detecting means with a reference
level; first deciding means for deciding a level of a first voice
inputted by said voice inputting means at first after starting a
telephone conversation; second deciding means for deciding a level
of a second voice inputted by said voice inputting means after the
level of said first voice is decided by said first deciding means;
and computing means for computing a difference between the level of
said first voice and the level of said second voice.
3. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 2, said
portable terminal device further comprising: first outputting means
for outputting a first controlling signal which elevates the level
of the voice outputted by said voice outputting means when said
difference is larger than a first threshold previously determined;
second outputting means for outputting a second controlling signal
which does not elevate and decrease the level of the voice
outputted by said voice outputting means when said difference is
equal to or larger than a second threshold previously determined
and equal to or smaller than said first threshold; and third
outputting means for outputting a third controlling signal which
decreases the level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting
means when said difference is smaller than said second threshold,
wherein said controlling means controls the level of the voice
outputted by said voice outputting means, based on said first,
second and third controlling signals.
4. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 2, said
portable terminal device further comprising: first outputting means
for outputting a first controlling signal which decreases the level
of the voice inputted by said voice inputting means when said
difference is larger than a first threshold previously determined;
second outputting means for outputting a second controlling signal
which does not elevate and decrease the level of the voice inputted
by said voice inputting means when said difference is equal to or
larger than a second threshold previously determined and equal to
or smaller than said first threshold; and third outputting means
for outputting a third controlling signal which elevates the level
of the voice inputted by said voice inputting means when said
difference is smaller than said second threshold, wherein said
controlling means controls the level of the voice inputted by said
voice inputting means, based on said first, second and third
controlling signals.
5. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 2, said
portable terminal device further comprising: first outputting means
for outputting a first controlling signal which decreases the level
of the voice inputted by said voice inputting means and elevates
the level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting means,
when said difference is larger than a first threshold previously
determined; second outputting means for outputting a second
controlling signal which does not elevate and decrease the level of
the voice inputted by said voice inputting means as well as the
level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting means, when
said difference is equal to or larger, than a second threshold
previously determined and equal to or smaller than said first
threshold; and third outputting means for outputting a third
controlling signal which elevates the level of the voice inputted
by said voice inputting means and decreases the level of the voice
outputted by said voice outputting means, when said difference is
smaller than said second threshold, wherein said controlling means
controls the level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting
means and the level of the voice inputted by said voice inputted
means, based on said first, second and third controlling
signals.
6. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 5, wherein when
said controlling signal is outputted by said second outputting
means, said controlling means controls the level of the voice
outputted by said voice outputting means based on first and third
controlling signals outputted prior to said second controlling
signal.
7. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 5, wherein when
said second controlling signal is outputted by said second
outputting means, said controlling means controls the level of the
voice inputted by said voice inputting means, based on a level of
said first voice.
8. A voice level controlling method of a portable terminal device
comprising: inputting a voice; detecting a level of the voice
inputted; outputting a voice; controlling at least one of a level
of the voice inputted in said voice inputting and a level of the
voice outputted in said voice outputting, based on the inputted
voice level detected; comparing the inputted voice level detected
in said detecting step with a reference level; extracting the level
of the voice inputted in said voice inputting for a first
predetermined time; and computing an average of the inputted voice
level extracted within a second predetermined time, wherein, in
said comparing, the average of the inputted voice level computed in
said computing is compared with said reference level.
9. A voice level controlling method of a portable terminal device
comprising: inputting a voice; detecting a level of the voice
inputted; outputting a voice; controlling at least one of a level
of the voice inputted in said voice inputting and level of the
voice outputted in said voice outputting, based on the inputted
voice level detected; comparing the inputted voice level detected
in said detecting with a reference level; deciding a level of a
first voice inputted by said voice inputting means at first after
starting a telephone conversation; deciding a level of a second
voice inputted by said voice inputting means after the level of
said first voice is decided by said first deciding means; and
computing a difference between the level of said first voice and
the level of said second voice.
10. The voice level controlling method of a portable terminal
device as claimed in claim 9, said method further comprising:
outputting a first controlling signal which elevates the level of
the voice outputted in said voice outputting when said difference
is larger that a first threshold previously determined; outputting
a second controlling signal which does not elevate and decrease the
level of the voice outputted in said voice outputting when said
difference is equal to or larger than a second threshold previously
determined and equal to or smaller than said first threshold; and
outputting a third controlling signal which decreases the level of
the voice outputted in said voice outputting when said difference
is smaller than said second threshold, wherein, in said
controlling, the level of the voice outputted in said voice
outputting is controlled, based on said first, second and third
controlling signals.
11. The voice level controlling method of a portable terminal
device as claimed in claim 9, said method further comprising:
outputting a first controlling signal which decreases the level of
the voice inputted in said voice inputting when said difference is
larger than a first threshold previously determined; outputting a
second controlling signal which does not elevate and decrease the
level of the voice inputted in said voice inputting when said
difference is equal to or larger than a second threshold previously
determined and equal to or smaller than said first threshold; and
outputting a third controlling signal which elevates the level of
the voice inputted in said voice inputting when said difference is
smaller than said second threshold, wherein, in said controlling
the level of the voice inputted in said voice inputting is
controlled, based on said first, second and third controlling
signals.
12. The voice level controlling method of a portable terminal
device as claimed in claim 9, said method further comprising:
outputting a first controlling signal which decreases the level of
the voice inputted in said voice inputting and elevates the level
of the voice outputted in said voice outputting, when said
difference is larger than a first threshold previously determined;
outputting a second controlling signal which does not elevate and
decrease the level of the voice inputted in said voice inputting as
well as the level of the voice outputted in said voice outputting,
when said difference is equal to or larger than a second threshold
previously determined and equal to or smaller than said first
threshold; and outputting a third controlling signal which elevates
the level of the voice inputted in said voice inputting and
decreases the level of the voice outputted in said voice
outputting, when said difference is smaller than said second
threshold, wherein, in said controlling the level of the voice
outputted in said voice outputting and the level of the voice
inputted by said voice inputting are controlled, based on said
first, second and third controlling signals.
13. A portable terminal device comprising: voice inputting means
for inputting a voice; voice outputting means for outputting a
voice; detecting means for detecting a level of the voice inputted
by said voice inputting means; controlling means for controlling at
least one of a level of the voice outputted by said voice
outputting means and a level of the voice inputted by said voice
inputting means, in accordance with the inputted voice level
detected by said, detecting means; and comparing means for
comparing the inputted voice level detected by said detecting means
with a reference level, wherein when said comparing means decides
that said inputted voice level is higher than said reference level,
said controlling means elevates the level of the voice outputted by
said voice outputting means, and when said comparing means decides
that said inputted voice level is lower than said reference level,
said controlling means decreases the level of the voice outputted
by said voice outputting means.
14. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 13, wherein
said reference level is the inputted voice level detected by said
detecting means immediately after starting a telephone
conversation.
15. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 13, wherein
said reference level is erased upon termination of the telephone
conversation.
16. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 13, further
comprising: selecting means for selecting at least one of the
inputted voice level detected by said detecting means immediately
after starting the telephone conversation and a level previously
determined, as said reference level.
17. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 13, wherein
said portable terminal device is a portable telephone.
18. A portable terminal device comprising: voice inputting means
for inputting a voice; voice outputting means for outputting a
voice; detecting means for detecting a level of the voice inputted
by said voice inputting means; controlling means for controlling at
least one of a level of the voice outputted by said voice
outputting means and a level of the voice inputted by said voice
inputting means, in accordance with the inputted voice level
detected by said, detecting means; and comparing means for
comparing the inputted voice level detected by said detecting means
with a reference level, wherein when said comparing means decides
that said inputted voice level is higher than said reference level,
said controlling means decreases the level of the voice outputted
by said voice outputting means, and when said comparing means
decides that said inputted voice level is lower than said reference
level, said controlling means elevates the level of the voice
outputted by said voice outputting means.
19. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 18, wherein
said reference level is the inputted voice level detected by said
detecting means immediately after starting a telephone
conversation.
20. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 18, wherein
said reference level is erased upon termination of the telephone
conversation.
21. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 18, further
comprising: selecting means for selecting at least one of the
inputted voice level detected by said detecting means immediately
after starting the telephone conversation and a level previously
determined, as said reference level.
22. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 18, wherein
said portable terminal device is a portable telephone.
23. A portable terminal device comprising: voice inputting means
for inputting a voice; voice outputting means for outputting a
voice; detecting means for detecting a level of the voice inputted
by said voice inputting means; controlling means for controlling at
least one of a level of the voice outputted by said voice
outputting means and a level of the voice inputted by said voice
inputting means, in accordance with the inputted voice level
detected by said detecting means; and comparing means for comparing
the inputted voice level detected by said detecting means with a
reference level, wherein when said comparing means decides that
said inputted voice level is higher than said reference level, said
controlling means decreases the level of the voice inputted by said
voice inputting means and elevates the level of the voice outputted
by said voice outputting means, and when said comparing means
decides that said inputted voice level is lower than said reference
level, said controlling means elevates the level of the voice
inputted by said voice inputting means and decreases the level of
the voice outputted by said voice outputting means.
24. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 23, further
comprising: selecting means for selecting either a control for the
level of the voice inputted by said voice inputting means or a
control for the level of the voice outputted by said voice
outputting means.
25. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 24, wherein
said reference level is the inputted voice level detected by said
detecting means immediately after starting a telephone
conversation.
26. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 24, wherein
said reference level is erased upon termination of the telephone
conversation.
27. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 24, further
comprising: selecting means for selecting at least one of the
inputted voice level detected by said detecting means immediately
after starting the telephone conversation and a level previously
determined, as said reference level.
28. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 24, wherein
said portable terminal device is a portable telephone.
29. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 23, wherein
said reference level is the inputted voice level detected by said
detecting means immediately after starting a telephone
conversation.
30. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 23, wherein
said reference level is erased upon termination of the telephone
conversation.
31. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 23, further
comprising: selecting means for selecting at least one of the
inputted voice level detected by said detecting means immediately
after starting the telephone conversation and a level previously
determined, as said reference level.
32. The portable terminal device as claimed in claim 23, wherein
said portable terminal device is a portable telephone.
33. A portable terminal device comprising: a voice inputting
section for inputting a voice; a voice outputting section for
outputting a voice; a detecting section for detecting a level of
the voice inputted by said voice inputting section; a controlling
section for controlling at least one of a level of the voice
outputted by said voice outputting section and a level of the voice
inputted by said voice inputting section, in accordance with the
inputted voice level detected by said detecting section; and a
comparing section for comparing the inputted voice level detected
by said detecting section with a reference level, wherein when said
comparing section decides that said inputted voice level is higher
than said reference level, said controlling section elevates the
level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting section, and
when said comparing section decides that said inputted voice level
is lower than said reference level, said controlling section
decreases the level of the voice outputted by said voice outputting
section.
34. A voice level controlling method for a portable terminal
device, comprising: inputting a voice; detecting a level of the
voice inputted; outputting a voice; controlling at least one of a
level of the voice inputted in said voice inputting and level of
the voice outputted in said voice outputting, based on the inputted
voice level detected; and comparing the inputted voice level
detected with a reference level, wherein when it is decided in said
comparing that said inputted voice level is higher than said
reference level, the level of the voice outputted is elevated, and
when it is decided in said comparing that said inputted voice level
is lower than said reference level, the level of the voice
outputted is decreased.
35. The voice level controlling method of a portable terminal
device as claimed in claim 34, wherein when it is decided in said
comparing that said inputted voice level is higher than said
reference level, the level of the voice inputted is decreased, and
when it is decided in said comparing that said inputted in voice
level is lower than said reference level, the level of the voice
inputted is elevated.
36. The voice level controlling method of a portable terminal
device as claimed in claim 34, wherein when it is decided in said
comparing that said inputted voice level is higher than said
reference level, the level of the voice inputted is decreased and
the level of the voice outputted is elevated, and when it is
decided in said comparing that said inputted voice level is lower
than said reference level, the level of the voice outputted is
decreased.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable terminal device, more
particularly to a portable terminal device for controlling a
received voice level in a receiver and a transmitted voice level in
a transmitter.
2. Description of the Related Art
When during a telephone conversation using a portable terminal
device, it is hard to catch the other person's words for a reason
that a voice from the other person (a person who speaks with a user
of a telephone by the telephone) outputted from a speaker is too
quiet or too loud, the user hitherto adjusts the received voice
volume by pressing a volume button equipped in the device. However,
with such system the user must bother to press the volume button
during the telephone conversation. For this reason, there has been
a problem that this operation is troublesome. Since the user
usually performs the telephone conversation while holding the
portable terminal device by hand, when the volume button for
adjusting the received voice volume is provided in the vicinity of
the speaker, there has been a problem that the portable terminal
device is inconvenient for the user because of an occurrence of a
situation such as failing to feel the position of the volume
button.
Therefore, a portable mobile telephone which automatically adjusts
the received voice volume without the operation by the user is
proposed.
Such kind of portable mobile telephone is disclosed, for example,
in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2-117228.
This portable mobile telephone detects the noise level around the
user, which is included in signal components inputted from the
microphone. The voice volume outputted from the speaker is
controlled depending on the noise level detected around the user in
the following manner. When the noise level around the user
increases, the voice volume outputted from the speaker is
increased. On the other hand, when the noise level around the user
decreases, the voice volume outputted from the speaker is reduced.
Thus, an influence upon the received voice volume affected by the
noise around the user is removed.
On the other hand, this portable mobile telephone decides whether
or not a voice of the user is inputted from microphone. A gain of
an output signal of the microphone is controlled based on the
decision result in the following manner. If the voice of the user
is not inputted, the gain of the output signal of the microphone is
reduced, and if the voice of the user is inputted, the gain thereof
is increased. Thus, an increase in the gain of the noise component
at the time when the voice is not inputted is prevented.
However, this portable mobile telephone controls the received voice
volume only depending on the noise level around the user. For this
reason, it is impossible to vary the received voice volume by the
user's will. For example, in a situation where the noise level
around the user is low, the voice volume outputted from the speaker
becomes quiet. When the voice volume of the other person is low
from the first, the voice volume outputted from the speaker becomes
lower. Therefore, it is hard for the user to catch the voice of the
other person. At this time, since the voice volume outputted from
the speaker is controlled based on the noise level around the user,
it is impossible to increase the voice volume in spite of the
user's will to increase the voice volume. Furthermore, when the
user intends to increase the voice volume outputted from the
speaker, the user must adjust the received voice volume by
manipulating the volume button as in the conventional portable
terminal device.
With reference to this portable mobile telephone, when an input
voice level of the user decreases, for example, when the user's
input voice level decreases because of keeping the microphone apart
from the user's mouth, an output voice volume level of the other
persons from the speaker is too low. Therefore, the other person
must adjust the received voice volume by manipulating the volume
button.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a portable
terminal device obtained by further improving the conventional
portable terminal device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable
terminal device which is capable of automatically changing a
received voice volume according to a user's will by controlling a
voice volume outputted from a speaker depending on an input voice
level of the user.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
portable terminal device which makes constant an input voice level
of a user and transmits the constant input voice to the other
person, thereby removing a necessity for excessive manipulations
for controlling a received voice volume by the other person.
In order to achieve the foregoing objects, the portable terminal
device of the present invention comprises: a voice inputting
section for inputting a voice; a voice outputting section for
outputting a voice; detecting section for detecting a level of the
voice inputted by the voice inputting section; and a control
section for controlling either a level of the voice outputted from
the voice outputting section or the level of the voice inputted
from the voice inputting section, depending on an input voice level
detected by the detecting section. The portable terminal device of
the present invention should further comprise a comparing section
for comparing a reference level with the input voice level detected
by the detecting section.
When it is decided by the comparing section that the inputting
voice level is higher than the reference level, the controlling
section increases the level of the voice which is outputted by the
voice outputting section. When it is decided by the comparing
section that the inputting voice level is lower than the reference
level, the controlling section decreases the level of the voice
which is outputted by the voice outputting section. Furthermore,
when it is decided by the comparing section that the inputting
voice level is higher than the reference level, the controlling
section decreases the level of the voice which is inputted by the
voice outputting section. When it is decided by the comparing
section that the inputting voice level is lower than the reference
level, the controlling section increases the level of the voice
which is inputted by the voice outputting section. Furthermore,
when it is decided by the comparing section that the inputting
voice level is higher than the reference level, the controlling
section decreases the level of the voice which is inputted by the
voice outputting section and increases the level of the voice which
is outputted by the voice outputting section. When it is decided by
the comparing section that the inputting voice level is lower than
the reference level, the controlling section increases the level of
the voice which is inputted by the voice outputting section and
decreases the level of the voice which is outputted by the voice
outputting section.
The portable terminal device of the present invention should
further comprise a selecting section for selecting either a control
of the level of the voice inputted by the voice outputting section
or a control of the level of the voice outputted by the voice
outputting section. The reference level is an inputting voice level
detected by the detecting section during the telephone
conversation. Furthermore, the reference level should preferably be
an inputting voice level detected by the detecting section
immediately after starting the telephone conversation. At this
time, the reference level should preferably be erased upon
termination of the telephone conversation. The portable terminal
device of the present invention should preferably further comprise
a selecting section for selecting at least one of the inputting
voice level detected by the detecting section immediately after
starting the telephone conversation and a level previously
determined, as the reference level. The level should preferably be
a voice amplitude level.
The detecting section should preferably comprise: an extracting
section for extracting the level of the voice every a first
predetermined time, which is inputted by the voice inputting
section; and a computing section for computing an average of the
inputting voice level every a second predetermined time, which is
extracted by the extracting section. The comparing section should
preferably compare the reference level with the average of the
inputting voice level computed by the computing section.
The portable terminal device of the present invention should
preferably comprise: a first deciding section for deciding a level
of a first voice inputted by the voice inputting section
immediately after staring the telephone conversation; a second
deciding section for deciding a level of a second voice inputted by
the voice inputting section after the level of the first voice is
decided by the first deciding section; and a computing section for
computing a difference between the level of the first voice and the
level of the second voice.
At this time, when the difference is larger than a predetermined
first threshold, provided is a first outputting section for
outputting a first controlling signal to increase the level of the
voice which is outputted by the voice outputting section; when the
difference is equal to or larger than a predetermined second
threshold and the difference is equal to or lower than the first
threshold, provided is a second outputting section for outputting a
second controlling signal which does not increase and does not
decrease the level of the voice outputted by the voice outputting
section; and when the difference is lower than the second
threshold, provided is a third outputting section for outputting a
third controlling signal to decrease the level of the voice
outputted by the voice outputting section, and the controlling
section controls the level of the voice outputted by the voice
outputting means, based on the first to third controlling
signals.
Furthermore, when the difference is larger than a predetermined
first threshold, provided is a first outputting section for
outputting a first controlling signal to decrease the level of the
voice inputted by the voice inputting section; when the difference
is equal to or larger than a predetermined second threshold and the
difference is equal to or lower than the first threshold, provided
is a second outputting section for outputting a second controlling
signal which does not increase and does not decrease the level of
the voice inputted by the voice inputting section; and when the
difference is smaller than the second threshold, provided is a
third outputting section for outputting a third controlling signal
to increase the level of the voice inputted by the voice inputting
section, and the controlling section controls the level of the
voice inputted by the voice inputting section, based on the first
to third controlling signals.
Furthermore, when the difference is larger than a predetermined
first threshold, provided is a first outputting section for
outputting a first controlling signal to decrease the level of the
voice inputted by the voice inputting section and to increase the
level of the voice outputted by the voice outputting section; when
the difference is equal to or larger than a predetermined second
threshold and the difference is equal to or lower than the first
threshold, provided is a second outputting section for outputting a
second controlling signal which does not increase and does not
decrease the level of the voice inputted by the voice inputting
section and the level of the voice outputted by the voice
outputting section; and when the difference is smaller than the
second threshold, provided is a third outputting section for
outputting a third controlling signal to increase the level of the
voice inputted by the voice inputting section and to decrease the
level of the voice outputted by the voice outputting section, and
the controlling section controls the level of the voice inputted by
the voice inputting section and the level of the voice outputted by
the voice outputting section, based on the first to third
controlling signals. When the second controlling signal is
outputted by the second outputting section, the controlling section
controls the level of the voice outputted by the voice outputting
section, based on the first and third controlling signals which was
outputted prior to the second controlling signal. Furthermore, when
the second controlling signal is outputted by the second outputting
section, the controlling section controls the level of the voice
inputted by the voice inputting section, based on said level of a
first voice. The portable terminal device should be a portable
telephone.
A voice level controlling method of a portable terminal device of
the present invention comprises: a step for inputting a voice; a
step for detecting a level of the voice inputted; a step for
outputting the voice; and a step for controlling at least one of
the level of the voice inputted in the voice inputting step and a
level of the voice outputted in the voice outputting step, based on
the level of the voice detected. Furthermore, the voice level
controlling method of a portable terminal device of the present
invention should preferably further comprise a step for comparing a
reference level with the inputted voice level detected in the
detection step.
When it is decided in the comparing step that the inputted voice
level is higher than the reference level, the level of the voice
outputted in the voice outputting step is increased in the in the
controlling step, and when it is decided in the comparing step that
the inputted voice level is lower than the reference level, the
level of the voice outputted in the voice outputting step is
decreased in the controlling step. Furthermore, when it is decided
in the comparing step that the inputted voice level is higher than
the reference level, the level of the voice inputted in the voice
inputting step is decreased in the controlling step, and when it is
decided in the comparing step that the inputted voice level is
lower than the reference level, the level of the voice inputted in
the voice inputting step is increased in the controlling step.
Furthermore, when it is decided in the comparing step that the
inputted voice level is higher than the reference level, the level
of the voice inputted in the voice inputting step is decreased and
the level of the voice outputted in the voice outputting step is
increased in the controlling step, and when it is decided in the
comparing step that the inputted voice level is lower than the
reference level, the level of the voice inputted in the voice
inputting step is increased and the level of the voice outputted in
the voice outputting step is decreased in the controlling step.
The detection step should preferably comprise: a step for
extracting a level of the voice every a predetermined first time,
which is inputted in the foregoing voice inputting step; and a step
for computing an average of the extracted inputted voice level in a
predetermined second time, and the comparing step should preferably
compare the average of the inputted voice level computed in the
computing step with the reference level.
A voice level controlling method of a portable terminal device of
the present invention should preferably comprise: a step for
deciding a level of a first voice inputted in the voice inputting
step after starting a telephone conversation; a step for deciding a
level of a second voice inputted in the voice inputting step after
deciding the level of the first voice; and a step for computing a
difference between the level of the first voice and the level of
the second voice.
At this time, when the difference is larger than a predetermined
first threshold, provided is a step for outputting a first
controlling signal to increase the level of the voice outputted in
the voice outputting step; when the difference is equal to or more
than a predetermined second threshold and the difference is equal
to or less than the first threshold, provided is a step for
outputting a second controlling signal which does not increase and
does decrease the level of the voice outputted in the voice
outputting step; and when the difference is smaller than the second
threshold, provided is a step for outputting a third controlling
signal to decrease the level of the voice outputted in the voice
outputting step, and the controlling step controls the level of the
voice outputted in the voice outputting step, based on the first to
third controlling signals.
Furthermore, when the difference is larger than a predetermined
first threshold, provided is a step for outputting a first
controlling signal to decrease the level of the voice inputted in
the voice inputting step; when the difference is equal to or more
than a predetermined second threshold and the difference is equal
to or less than the first threshold, provided is a step for
outputting a second controlling signal not to increase and decrease
the level of the voice inputted in the voice inputting step; and
when the difference is smaller than the second threshold, provided
is a step for outputting a third controlling signal to increase the
level of the voice inputted in the voice inputting step, and the
controlling step controls the level of the voice inputted in the
voice inputting step, based on the first to third controlling
signals.
Furthermore, when the difference is larger than a predetermined
first threshold, provided is a step for outputting a first
controlling signal to decrease the level of the voice inputted in
the voice inputting step and to increase the level of the voice
outputted in the voice outputting step; when the difference is
equal to or more than a predetermined second threshold and the
difference is equal to or less than the first threshold, provided
is a step for outputting a second controlling signal not to
increase and decrease the level of the voice inputted in the voice
inputting step and the level of the voice outputted in the voice
outputting step; and when the difference is smaller than the second
threshold, provided is a step for outputting a third controlling
signal to increase the level of the voice inputted in the voice
inputting step and to decrease the level of the voice outputted in
the voice outputting step, and the controlling step controls the
level of the voice inputted in the voice inputting step and the
level of the voice outputted in the voice outputting step, based on
the first to third controlling signals.
As described above, in the present invention, when the voice level
received by the user becomes lower than a reference amplitude
level, the voice level of the other person outputted from the
speaker is lowered. On the other hand, when the voice level
received by the user becomes higher than the reference amplitude
level, the voice level of the other person outputted from the
speaker is elevated. Therefore, it is possible to control the voice
level of the other person outputted from the speaker in accordance
with the voice level received by the user. That is, the received
voice volume can be adjusted by the user's will.
Furthermore, in the present invention, even when the inputted voice
level which is taken in from the microphone temporarily changes,
the inputted voice level of the user is adjusted so as to be
approximately equal to the reference amplitude level and sent to
the other person. Therefore, it is possible to remove a difficulty
to catch the user's words and displeasure due to temporal changes
of the inputted voice level, which are given to the other
person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention
will be becomes fully apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a preferred example of a circuit
constitution of a portable terminal device according to a first
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a preferred example of an operation
of the portable terminal device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a preferred example of a circuit block diagram obtained
by extracting main components from the circuit block diagram of the
portable terminal device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a figure showing a preferred example of a relationship
between a shift number which is shifted by a bit shifting section
and a controlling signal outputted from a controlling section.
FIGS. 5a-5c are preferred examples of a waveform of a voice signal
inputted to a microphone and a voice signal outputted from a
speaker.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a preferred example of a circuit
constitution of a portable terminal device according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a figure showing a preferred example of a relationship
between a shift number which is shifted by a microphone voice bit
shifting section and a controlling signal outputted from a
controlling section.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a preferred example of an operation
of a portable terminal device shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a preferred example of a circuit
constitution of a portable terminal device according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a preferred example of an operation
of a portable terminal device shown in FIG. 9
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal device
according to a first embodiment of the present invention,
preferably a block diagram showing a preferred example of an
internal circuit of the portable telephone.
Referring to FIG. 1, a microphone 1 takes a voice signal into a
telephone unit in order to transmit an external voice in radio. A
voice inputting section 31 inputs and processes an analog voice
signal taken from the microphone 1. The voice inputting section 31
comprises a level detecting section 2 for detecting a voice
amplitude of the analog voice signal taken from the microphone 1
thereinto as a voice level; and an A/D converting section 3 for
converting the analog voice signal outputted from the level
detecting section 2 to a digital voice signal. A voice encoding
section 12 encodes the digital voice signal outputted from the A/D
converting section 3. In a Personal Handy phone System (PHS), this
voice encoding section 12 adopts, for example, an encoding
according to an ADPCM method. In a full rate of a Personal Digital
Cellular (PDC) the voice encoding section 12 adopts an encoding
according to a VSELP method, and in a half rate of the PDC the
voice encoding section 12 adopts an encoding according to a
PSI-CELP method. A radio section 14 modulates the voice signal
encoded by the voice encoding section 12 and transmits it to a base
station (not shown) from an antenna 15. The radio section 14
decodes a voice signal received through the antenna 15.
A processing section 4 computes an average voice amplitude level in
a prescribed time, based on a voice amplitude level outputted from
the level detecting section 2. A comparing section 5 compares a
reference amplitude level with the average voice amplitude level
computed by the processing section 4. A memory section 6 stores a
reference amplitude level value, a controlling signal information
and the like.
A voice decoding section 13 decodes the voice signal received by
the radio section 14 from the base station (not shown) through the
antenna 15. A voice outputting section 30 performs a processing for
outputting the decoded voice signal by the voice decoding section
13 to the outside. The voice outputting section 30 comprises: a bit
shifting section 8 which receives the digital voice signal decoded
by the voice decoding section 13 and performs a bit shift for the
digital voice signal depending on a level difference computed by
the comparing section 5; a D/A converting section 9 which converts
a digital signal outputted from the bit shifting section 8 to an
analog signal; and an amplifying section 10 which amplifies the
analog signal converted by the D/A converting section 9 and allows
a speaker 11 to output it therefrom. The speaker 11 outputs data to
the outside, which has been subjected to a processing for
outputting it.
An informing section 18 informs an arrival of a voice to the users
telephone. The informing section 18 should preferably be composed
of at least one of a speaker, a vibrator and an LED. When the
informing section 18 is the speaker, the section 18 may serve also
as the speaker 11. A displaying section 17 displays numerals and
the like inputted by pressing keys. The displaying section 17
should be any one of a CRT and an LCD. A key inputting section 16
performs a key inputting operation for a telephone number and the
like. A controlling section 7 performs a controlling processing
concerning various kinds of operations.
Using FIG. 2, a preferred example of an operation of the portable
telephone shown in FIG. 1 will be described.
Referring to FIG. 2, when a radio signal from a base station (not
shown) is received by the antenna 15, the informing section 18
informs a reception of the radio signal. When the user presses down
the receiving key of the key inputting section 16 in response to
the information from the informing section 18, the telephone
conversation starts (step S1). Or, when the user calls the other
person up by inputting the phone number of the other person using
the key inputting section 16, the telephone conversation starts
(step S1). After the telephone conversation started, an INIT flag
that is an internal signal of a LSI built in the controlling
section 7 is set to "0" (step S2). Thereafter, it is decided
whether or not the telephone conversation has been terminated (step
S3). When it is decided that the telephone conversation has not
been terminated (NO in step S3), based on an analog voice signal
inputted from the microphone 1 (step S4), its voice amplitude level
is detected in the level detecting section 2 (step S5). Amplitude
information concerning the analog voice signal inputted to the
level detecting section 2 is sampled every time Ts, for example, 5
mil-second, and an extraction of the instantaneous amplitude level
is performed. The instantaneous amplitude level data extracted is
sent to the processing section 4 (step S6). The processing section
4 computes an average of the instantaneous amplitude level (step
S8) every a predetermined time, for example, 0.5 second, or every
the number of extracted data, for example, 100 pieces (step S7). At
this time, with respect to a negative amplitude level, the
computation is performed for its absolute value. Furthermore,
soundless portions are not treated as an objective of the
computation. Every time of inputting of the analog voice, the
foregoing sampling extraction and computing processing are
performed.
Next, it is decided whether or not the INIT flag is "0" (step S9).
When it is decided that the INIT flag is "0" (YES in step S9), the
first average voice amplitude level in the first voice at the time
when the telephone conversation starts is stored in the memory
section 6 as a reference amplitude level (step S10). After the
reference amplitude level is stored in the memory section 6, the
INIT flag is set to "1" (step S11). The reference amplitude level
stored in the memory section 6 is held until the telephone
conversation is terminated, and the reference amplitude is erased
upon termination of the telephone conversation (step S19).
After the reference amplitude level is confirmed, that is, the INIT
flag is set to "1", the processings from the foregoing step S3 to
S7 are performed again. When a next average voice amplitude level
is computed in the processing section 4 (step S8), the computed
average voice amplitude level is outputted to the comparing section
5 (step S13), and the average voice amplitude level computed is
compared with the reference amplitude level stored in the memory
section 6 (step S14). The comparing section 5 compares the computed
average voice amplitude level with the reference amplitude level,
and obtains a difference between them. Specifically, the comparing
section 5 computes the difference between the reference amplitude
level and the average voice amplitude level, and outputs the
computation result to the controlling section 7. The controlling
section 7 outputs a controlling signal based on the computation
result outputted from the comparing section 5 to the bit shifting
section 8 (step S15).
When the controlling signal is inputted to the bit shifting section
8, the bit shifting section 8 decides whether or not the
controlling signal is a signal indicating that "it is not shifted"
(step S16). When it is decided that the controlling signal is a
signal indicating that "it is shifted" (NO in step S16), a level of
a voice signal of the other person received through the antenna 15
is shifted by predetermined bits based on the controlling signal
(step S17). On the other hand, when it is decided that the
controlling signal is a signal indicating that "it is not shifted"
(YES in step S16), the level of the voice signal of the other
person is shifted by the bit number equal to that of the last shift
(step S18). For example, considerations are made for the case where
the amplitude level of the voice inputted to the microphone becomes
higher than the reference amplitude level and the level of the
voice signal of the other person is shifted once. Thereafter, even
if the amplitude level of the voice inputted to the microphone by
the user returns to the reference amplitude level and the
controlling signal indicating that "it is not shifted" is inputted,
the voice signal of the other person is outputted with the
amplitude level the bit of which has been shifted in the last time.
Therefore, after, for example, noises around the user becomes loud
and the level of the inputted voice by the user becomes higher
during the telephone conversation, even if the mouth of the user is
made to be apart from the microphone unconsciously and the level of
the inputted voice of the user returns to the reference amplitude
level, the voice level of the other person outputted from the
speaker does not become low. In other words, the outputted voice
level is kept as it is.
At the first time of telephone conversation, controlling signal has
a value meaning that it is not shifted as a default value.
Therefore, when the amplitude level that was shifted in the last
time does not exist, specifically, when the reference amplitude
level is detected at the beginning of the telephone conversation,
the level of the voice inputted after the beginning of the
telephone conversation is near the reference amplitude level, and
the controlling signal indicating that "it is not shifted" is
outputted, the default value "that it is not shifted" is
executed.
The voice signal outputted from the bit shifting section 8 is
inputted to the D/A converting section 9, and converted from a
digital voice signal to an analog voice signal. The analog voice
signal is amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifying
section 10 and then outputted from the speaker 11 as a voice.
Using FIGS. 3 and 4, a preferred example of an operation of the
portable telephone of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be
described.
Referring to FIG. 2, when a telephone conversation starts (step
S1), a leading average voice amplitude level of the first voice of
the user's speech is computed by the processing section 4 (step
S8). As shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the computing result is
"5". Since the INUT flag is "0" at this time (YES in step S9), the
computing result "5" is stored in the memory section 6 as the
reference amplitude level value "5" (step S11).
Next, the second average voice amplitude level is computed by the
processing section 4 (step S8). Since the INIT flag is "1" at this
time (step S11), the average voice amplitude level is outputted to
the comparing section 5 (step S13), and a difference between the
average voice amplitude level and the reference amplitude level "5"
stored in the memory section 6 is computed by the comparing section
5 (step S14).
Hereupon, descriptions will be made for CASEs 1 to 3 of the average
voice amplitude level outputted to the comparing section 5, as
shown in FIG. 3.
In the case of the CASE 1, since the average voice amplitude level
is "2", the difference D is computed according to D=2-5. At this
time, for the difference D, controlling signal information for use
in controlling the voice volume of the speaker 11 corresponding to
the difference D is previously determined, and it is stored in the
memory section 6 as a known value. This example is shown in FIG. 4.
In the case of the CASE 1, since the difference D is equal to "-3",
a signal expressed as "111" is outputted to the bit shifting
section 8 as a controlling signal (step S15).
Similarly, in the case of the CASE 2, since the difference D is
equal to "1", a signal expressed as "000" is outputted to the bit
shifting section 8 as a controlling signal. In the case of the CASE
3, since the difference D is equal to "5", a signal expressed as
"010" is outputted to the bit shifting section 8 as a controlling
signal.
The voice signal of the other person received by the radio section
14 through the antenna 15 is inputted to the bit shifting section 8
from the voice decoding section 13 as a digital voice signal. The
digital voice signal inputted to the bit shifting section 8 is
controlled in its outputted voice level based on the controlling
signal outputted from the controlling section 7 (steps S16 to S18),
so that a voice volume outputted from the speaker 11 is
controlled.
Using FIG. 4, the relationship between the controlling signal and
the shift number of the voice signal of the other person shifted by
the bit shifting section 8 will be described.
Referring to FIG. 4, when the controlling signal is expressed as
"000", it is decided that there is no large difference between the
reference amplitude level computed by the comparing section 5 and
the average voice amplitude level, and the bit shifting is not
performed. Therefore, the voice signal of the other person is
outputted as received.
Furthermore, when the controlling signal is expressed as "001" and
"010", it is decided that the average voice amplitude level is
higher than the reference amplitude level, that is, it decided that
the voice volume that is currently being uttered becomes larger
than the voice volume of the first speech uttered by the user.
Therefore, the bit shift in the bit shifting section 8 is carried
out in the direction where the level of the voice signal becomes
higher, that is, the level of the voice signal is shifted in the
left direction. The shift number more increases as the absolute
value of the difference D becomes larger. In the example shown in
FIG. 4, the bit shift in the left direction can be possible up to
two bits at maximum.
On the other hand, when the controlling signal is expressed as
"111" and "110", it is decided that the average voice amplitude
level is lower than the reference amplitude level, that is, it is
decided that the voice volume that is currently being uttered is
becomes smaller than the voice volume of the first speech uttered
by the user. Therefore, the bit shift in the bit shifting section 8
is carried out in the direction where the level of the voice signal
becomes lower, that is, the level of the voice signal is shifted in
the right direction. The shift number more increases as the
absolute value of the difference D becomes larger. In the example
shown in FIG. 4, the bit shift in the right direction can be
possible up to two bits at maximum.
The relationship between the controlling signal shown in FIG. 4 and
the shift number shifted by the bit shifting section 8 is
previously stored in the memory section 6 shown in FIG. 1.
In the case of the CASE 1 shown in FIG. 3, the controlling signal
expressed as "111" is outputted to the bit shifting section 8 (step
S15). Therefore, the bit shift in the bit shifting section 8 is
executed in a direction where the level of the voice signal becomes
lower, that is, the bit shift is executed by one bit in the right
direction (NO in step S16). Therefore, the voice signal of the
other person received by the radio section 14 through the antenna
15 is shifted in its outputted voice level by the bit shifting
section 8 by one bit in the right direction, and the voice signal
of the other person is outputted from the speaker 11 with a smaller
volume by one bit (step S17).
Similarly, in the case of the CASE 2, the controlling signal
expressed as "000" is outputted to the bit shifting section 8 (step
S15). Therefore, the bit shift in the bit shifting section 8 is not
executed (YES in step S16). Therefore, the voice signal of the
other person received by the radio section 14 through the antenna
15 is not shifted in its outputted voice level by the bit shifting
section 8, and the voice signal of the other person is outputted
from the speaker 11 as it is (step S18).
In the case of the CASE 3, the controlling signal expressed as
"010" is outputted to the bit shifting section 8 (step S15). For
this reason, the bit shift in the bit shifting section 8 is
executed in a direction where the level of the voice signal becomes
higher, that is, the bit shift is executed by two bits in the left
direction (NO in step S16). Therefore, the voice signal of the
other person received by the radio section 14 through the antenna
15 is shifted in its outputted voice level by the bit shifting
section 8 by two bits in the left direction, and the voice signal
of the other person is outputted from the speaker 11 while having a
larger volume by two bits (step S17).
Using FIGS. 5a to 5c, with reference to the case of the CASE 3
shown in FIG. 3, a preferred example of waveforms of the voice
signal inputted to the microphone 1 and the voice signal outputted
from the speaker 11 will be shown.
FIG. 5a is a waveform of the voice signal of the first speech
uttered by the user immediately after the start of the telephone
conversation. With reference to an analog signal inputted to the
level detecting section 2, its amplitude information is sampled
every a predetermined time Ts, for example, 5 mil-second, and an
extraction for its instantaneous amplitude level is performed. The
extracted instantaneous amplitude level data is sent to the
processing section 4, and an average, for example, "5" of the
plural instantaneous amplitude levels which are extracted for a
predetermined time T, for example, 0.5 second, is computed. This
average "5" is computed is set as a reference amplitude level
relative to a voice to be inputted after that time.
FIG. 5b is a signal waveform of a second voice uttered by the user
after the predetermined time T, for example, 0.5 second, at the
time when the reference amplitude level is set. Similarly to FIG.
5a, an instantaneous amplitude is extracted every a predetermined
time Ts, for example, 5 mil-second, and an average, for example,
"10" of the plurality of instantaneous amplitude levels which are
extracted for a predetermined time T after passage of a
predetermined time T, for example, a predetermined time 0.5 second,
is computed. As an average voice amplitude level, this average "10"
is compared with the reference amplitude level which was set in
FIG. 5a. As a result of the compare, the difference "5" between the
average voice amplitude level "10" and the reference amplitude
level "5" is detected, and the controlling signal "010" is
outputted to the bit shifting section 8.
Considerations are made for the case where after an average voice
amplitude level of a second voice uttered by the user is detected
in FIG. 5b, a voice signal of the other person is outputted while
having a voice level shown by the dotted line of FIG. 5c. At this
time, the outputted voice level is shifted by two bits in the left
direction in the bit shifting section 8, and the voice signal of
the other person is outputted from the speaker 11 with a voice
level higher by two bits shown by the solid line of FIG. 5c.
As described above, according to the portable telephone of this
embodiment, since the voice volume outputted from the speaker is
controlled in accordance with the voice level inputted by the user,
the received voice volume can be automatically adjusted by the
user's will.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a portable terminal device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
preferably a preferred example of an internal circuit structure of
a portable telephone. In FIG. 6, the components corresponding to
those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
Moreover, in order to avoid the redundancy, descriptions for them
are omitted. In FIG. 6, a microphone voice bit shifting section 19
is newly provided in the voice inputting section 31 shown in FIG.
1, and a memory section 21 and a controlling section 20 are
provided instead of the memory section 6 and the controlling
section 7 shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 6, the memory section 21 previously stores
controlling signal information for controlling a microphone
inputted voice, in addition to the controlling signal information
for use in the speaker outputted voice control shown in FIG. 4. The
controlling section 20 outputs a controlling signal to the
microphone voice bit shifting section 19 and the bit shifting
section 8, the controlling signal being based on the comparing
result in the comparing section 5, that is, the comparing result
between the average voice amplitude level computed by the
processing section 4 and the reference amplitude level. The
microphone voice bit shifting section 19 performs the bit shift for
a digital voice signal which is outputted from the A/D converting
section 3 based on the controlling signal outputted from the
controlling section 20.
FIG. 7 is a figure showing a relationship between the controlling
signal previously stored in the memory section 21 shown in FIG. 6
and a shift number shifted by the microphone voice bit shifting
section 19.
Referring to FIG. 7, when the difference D between the average
voice amplitude level computed by the processing section 4 and the
reference amplitude level is in a range of D<-6, the controlling
signal expressed as "010" is outputted to the microphone voice bit
shifting section 19. When the difference D is in a range of
-6.ltoreq.D<-3, the controlling signal expressed as "001" is
outputted to the microphone voice bit shifting section 19. When the
controlling signal is "010" and "001" it is decided that the
average voice amplitude level is lower than the reference
amplitude, that is, it is decided that the voice volume that is
currently being uttered becomes smaller than the voice volume of
the first speed uttered by the user. At this time, the bit shift in
the microphone voice bit shifting section 19 is performed in a
direction where the level of the voice signal becomes higher, that
is, in the left direction. The shift number more increases as the
absolute value of the difference D is larger. In the example shown
in FIG. 7, it is possible to shift the level of the voice signal in
the left direction up to two bits at maximum.
On the other hand, when the difference D between the average voice
amplitude level and the reference amplitude level computed by the
processing section 4 is in a range of -3.ltoreq.D.ltoreq.3, the
controlling signal expressed as "000" is outputted to the
microphone voice bit shifting section 19. When the controlling
signal is "000", it is decided that there is no large difference
between the reference amplitude level and the average voice
amplitude level computed by the comparing section 5, and the bit
shift is not performed, so that the inputted voice of the user is
outputted from the antenna 15 as it is.
Furthermore, when the difference D between the average voice
amplitude level and the reference amplitude level computed by the
processing section is in a range 3<D.ltoreq.6, the controlling
signal "111" is outputted to the microphone voice bit shifting
section 19. When the difference D is in a range 6<D, the
controlling signal "110" is outputted to the microphone voice bit
shifting section 19. When the controlling signal is "111" and
"110", it is decided that the average voice amplitude level is
higher than the reference amplitude level, that is, it is decided
that the voice volume that is currently being uttered becomes
larger than the voice volume of the first speech uttered by the
user. At this time, the bit shift in the microphone voice bit
shifting section 19 is performed in a direction where the level of
the voice signal becomes lower, that is, in the right direction.
The shift number increases as the absolute value of the difference
D is larger. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to
shift the level of the voice signal in the left direction up to two
bits at maximum.
As described above, in this embodiment, as the difference D becomes
smaller, that is, as the inputted voice of the user becomes
smaller, the level of the voice signal is shifted to the left, so
that the level of the inputted voice of the user is made to be
higher. Moreover, as the difference D becomes larger, that is, as
the inputted voice of the user becomes larger, the level of the
voice signal is shifted to the right, so that the level of the
inputted voice of the user is made to be lower. Thus, the inputted
voice level of the user is made to be closer to the reference
amplitude level.
Furthermore, the voice level of the other person outputted from the
speaker 11 is controlled based on the relationship between the
controlling signal shown in FIG. 4 and the shift number shifted by
the bit shifting section 8, similarly to the foregoing first
embodiment.
Next, using FIG. 8, an operation of the preferred example of the
portable telephone shown in FIG. 6 will be described. The steps 21
to 34 in FIG. 8 are the same as the steps 1 to 14 shown in FIG. 2,
and the steps 38 to 40 in FIG. 8 are the same as the step 16 to 18
shown in FIG. 2. To prevent the redundancy, descriptions for them
are omitted.
Referring to FIG. 8, when the difference between the average
amplitude level of the inputted voice of the user computed by the
processing section 4 and the reference amplitude level stored in
the memory section 6 is detected (step S34), the controlling signal
based on the detection value is outputted to the microphone voice
bit shifting section 19 (step S35). In the microphone voice bit
shifting section 19, based on the relationship between the
controlling signal shown in FIG. 7 and the shift number shifted by
the microphone voice bit shifting section 19, the bit shift
processing is performed for the digital voice signal outputted from
the A/D converting section 3, similarly to the first embodiment
(step S36). At this time, when the controlling signal "000"
indicating that "the bit shift is not performed" is inputted, the
microphone voice bit shifting section 19 does not perform the bit
shift processing of the last time like the bit shifting section 8,
but the inputted voice level of the user is processed with the
reference amplitude level. Like this, the microphone voice bit
shifting section 19 performs the bit shifting processing for the
inputted voice level of the user, based on the controlling signal
inputted thereto, with a high fidelity.
Moreover, the controlling signal is outputted also to the bit
shifting section 8, the controlling signal being based on the
difference between the average amplitude level of the inputted
voice of the user computed by the processing section 4 and the
reference amplitude level stored in the memory section 6 (step
S37). The control in the bit shifting section 8, that is, the
control for the voice level outputted from the speaker 11, is the
same described in the steps 16 to 18 of FIG. 2.
As described above, according to the portable telephone of this
embodiment, the voice volume outputted from the speaker is
controlled in accordance with the voice level inputted by the user.
For this reason, it is possible to adjust the received voice volume
by the user's will, automatically. Moreover, even if the inputted
voice taken from the microphone 1 varies abruptly and the average
voice amplitude level is greatly apart from the reference amplitude
level, the inputted voice signal of the user can be transmitted to
the other person after adjusting its level to approximately the
same as the reference amplitude level. Therefore, against lowering
of the inputted voice level caused by the deviation of the
microphone position of the user and a rapid increase of the
inputted voice level due to a sneeze, the voice signal with a
uniform level can always be transmitted to the other person.
Therefore, it is possible to remove the difficulty to catch the
speech and displeasure which are given to the other person.
Moreover, the necessity to adjust the received voice volume by
manipulating the voice volume button like the conventional portable
telephone is removed.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a portable terminal device according
to a third embodiment of the present invention, preferably a block
diagram showing a preferred example of an internal circuit
structure of a portable telephone. In FIG. 9, the components
corresponding to the components of the portable telephone shown in
FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and to prevent
the redundancy, descriptions for them are omitted. In FIG. 9, the
bit shifting section 8 in the voice outputting section 30 is
removed, and a memory section 23 and a controlling section 22 are
provided instead of the memory section 21 and the controlling
section 20 shown in FIG. 6.
Referring to FIG. 9, the memory section 23 previously stores the
controlling signal information for controlling the microphone
inputted voice shown in FIG. 7. The controlling section 22 outputs
a controlling signal based on the comparing result in the comparing
section 5 to the microphone bit shifting section 19, that is, the
comparing result of the average voice amplitude level computed by
the processing section 4 with the reference amplitude level. The
microphone voice bit shifting section 19 performs the bit shift for
a digital voice signal outputted from the A/D converting section 3
based on the controlling signal outputted from the controlling
section 20.
Using FIG. 10, an operation of the preferred example of the
portable telephone shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The steps S51
to 66 in FIG. 9 are the same as the steps 21 to 36 shown in FIG. 8.
To avoid the redundancy, the descriptions for them are here
omitted. In the portable telephone according to this embodiment,
based on the inputted voice level of the user the level of the
voice signal to be transmitted to the other person is shifted in
the microphone voice bit shifting section 19. However, the voice
level outputted from the speaker 11 does not depend on the inputted
voice level of the user. Specifically, the level of the voice
signal transmitted from the other person is outputted from the
speaker while keeping its level. Therefore, when the bit shift
processing for the voice signal level to be transmitted is executed
(step S66), no control for the outputted voice level is performed,
and it is again decided whether or not the telephone conversation
is terminated (step S53).
As described above, according to the portable telephone of this
embodiment, even if the user speaks with a low voice or a loud
voice, the voice of the user is always transmitted with a voice
level near the reference amplitude level to the other person. A
difficulty to catch the speech due to lowering of the inputted
voice level caused by the deviation of the microphone position of
the user and a rapid increase of the inputted voice level due to a
sneeze can be removed. On the other hand, in the portable telephone
according to this embodiment, no control is performed for the level
of the voice signal of the other person outputted from the speaker
11. Accordingly, a voice volume outputted from the speaker 11 also
varies in accordance with the level of the voice signal uttered by
the other person. However, in this case, if also the other person
performs the telephone conversation using the portable telephone
according to this embodiment, the level of the voice signal
outputted from the portable telephone of the other person is always
controlled to the reference amplitude level. For this reason, as a
result, the level of the voice signal outputted from the speaker 11
can be controlled to be near the reference amplitude level.
Hitherto, the descriptions for the present invention were made with
reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the portable
terminal device of the present invention is not limited to the
above-described embodiments. For example, in the portable terminal
device of this embodiment, the controlling signal outputted from
the controlling section is set to five as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7.
However, no limitation to the number of the controlling signals is
made. In accordance with this, the threshold of the difference D
and the bit shifting number for each controlling signal are not
limited at all. Noted that it is preferable that in order to more
finely control the inputted voice level of the user to be
transmitted to the other person, as well as the outputted voice
level of the other person outputted from the speaker, the number of
the controlling signals is set to be large and the threshold of the
difference D is precisely set.
Furthermore, in the portable terminal device according to the first
and second embodiments of the present invention, when the
controlling signal indicating that "the bit shift is not performed"
is inputted as shown in the steps 16 to 18 of FIG. 2 and steps 38
to 40 of FIG. 8, the voice signal of the other person is outputted
from the speaker 11 with the level of the voice signal in which the
bit number was shifted in the last time, that is, the preceding
level of the voice level. However, similarly to the bit shift
control for the inputted voice level of the user to be transmitted
to the other person, the level of the voice signal of the other
person to be outputted from the speaker 11 may be processed with
the reference amplitude level. For example, considerations are made
to the case where the amplitude level of the microphone inputted
voice which is inputted by the user becomes higher than the
reference amplitude level and the level of the voice signal of the
other person is once shifted in its shift number. Thereafter, when
the amplitude level of the microphone inputted voice inputted by
the user returns to the reference amplitude level and the
controlling signal indicating that "no bit shift is performed" is
inputted, the voice signal of the other person may be outputted
with the reference amplitude level.
Furthermore, in the portable terminal device of this embodiment,
the detection of the reference amplitude level is begun from the
average amplitude level of the first speech of the user in the
predetermined time immediately after starting the telephone
conversation. However, no limitation is made for a detection timing
of the reference amplitude level. Specifically, the detection may
be begun from the average amplitude level of the inputted voice of
the user in a predetermined time after passage of a certain time
from the beginning of the telephone conversation. Moreover, if the
user or a manufacturer previously sets by manipulating the key
inputting section 16, there is no problem.
As described above, according to the portable terminal device of
the first and second embodiments of the present invention, when the
voice level inputted by the user becomes lower than the reference
amplitude level, the voice level of the other person outputted from
the speaker is made to be lowered. On the other hand, when the
voice level inputted by the user becomes higher than the reference
amplitude level, the voice level of the other person outputted from
the speaker is made to be elevated. Therefore, since the voice
level of the other person outputted from the speaker is controlled
in accordance with the voice level inputted by the user, the volume
received by the telephone can automatically be adjusted by the
user's will.
Furthermore, considerations are made for the case where the
amplitude level of the microphone inputted voice inputted by the
user becomes higher than the reference amplitude level and the bit
shift is once performed for the level of the voice signal of the
other person to be outputted from the speaker 11. According to the
portable terminal device of the first and second embodiment of the
present invention, even if the amplitude level of the microphone
inputted voice inputted by the user returns to the reference
amplitude level, the voice signal of the other person is outputted
from the speaker 11 with the amplitude level that is shifted in the
last time. Therefore, even if the user keeps his mouth apart from
the microphone unconsciously and the inputted voice level of the
user returns to the reference amplitude level, the voice level of
the other person to be outputted from the speaker is kept in the
voice level that has been outputted.
Moreover, according to the portable terminal device of the second
and third embodiments of the present invention, even if the
inputted voice level taken from the microphone temporarily varies
and it becomes greatly apart from the reference amplitude level,
the inputted voice level of the user is adjusted so as to become a
signal of a level as high as the reference amplitude level, and
transmitted to the other person. Accordingly, the problem that the
temporal variations of the inputted voice level caused by the
deviation of the microphone position of the user and the sneeze by
the user would give the difficulty to catch the speech and the
displeasure to the other person can be removed. Furthermore, the
other person is not required to adjust the received voice volume by
manipulating the voice volume button.
Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teaching. It
is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the
appended claim, the invention may be practical otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
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